MOSCOW (MRC)--Eastman has begun commercial operations of an innovative chemical recycling technology – called "carbon renewal technology" (CRT) - at its chemicals production hub in Kingsport, Tennessee, said the company.
With CRT, waste plastic feedstocks are broken down to the molecular level and then used as building blocks, which are indistinguishable from virgin material, to produce products used in Eastman markets - including textiles, cosmetics and personal care, and ophthalmics markets, the company said.
To enable CRT, Eastman modified the front end of its acetyls and cellulosics production processes at Kingsport to accept waste plastic. Eastman’s recycled materials will be certified under the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC).
Costa added that Eastman will work across the value chain – with customers, potential feedstock suppliers, product manufacturers, brands, non-governmental organisations and others – to implement large-scale circular solutions for recycling waste plastics.
CRT is one of Eastman’s chemical recycling projects. The company is also working on an “advanced circular recycling technology”, which will use methanol to break down waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into monoethylene glycol (MEG) and dimethyl terephthalate (DMT).
According to MRC's DataScope report, Chinese bottle grade PET deliveries to Russia increased 34% in the first eight months of 2019 to 95,600 tonnes. China accounted for 90% of the total imports, compared to 85% a year earlier.
August imports of material from China decreased by 41% to 7,600 tonnes from 12,800 tonnes in July. Jiangsu Sanfangxiang, Yisheng, Wankai and Sinopec were the leading Chinese suppliersof material to the Russian market.
Eastman is a global advanced materials and specialty additives company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With a portfolio of specialty businesses, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. Its market-driven approaches take advantage of world-class technology platforms and leading positions in attractive end-markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. Eastman focuses on creating consistent, superior value for all stakeholders. As a globally diverse company, Eastman serves customers in more than 100 countries and had 2018 revenues of approximately USD10 billion.
MRC